Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks forward to next season after rejecting Aston Villa

Roberto Martinez believes he has unfinished business at Wigan and wants to
make next season the best in the club's history.

Staying put: Roberto Martinez celebrates securing Wigan's Premier League status on the final day of last season with Dave WhelanPhoto: AFP

By Telegraph staff and agencies

9:50AM BST 11 Jun 2011

The Spaniard showed his loyalty to Wigan on Friday by snubbing Aston Villa to remain in the manager's job at the DW Stadium.

Wigan are now looking forward to a seventh season of top-flight football after avoiding relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the 2010-11 campaign.

Martinez said: "At the end of the season I said it was a time to be proud of our club.

"There is a lot of work to be done now after a very good season from a development point of view.

"We have a lot to do over the coming months in terms of individual situations, personal contracts and assembling a very competitive squad ready to keep fighting in the Premier League next season and keep defying the odds.

"It's been a slow process investing heavily in youth and in a group of players who will bring us great stability and I'm very proud of where the club is on the pitch and off it.

"Now is the time for the fans to kick on and show their support and make this the best season we've had in the Premier League."

Wigan's best Premier League finish was 10th in their first season after promotion in 2006.

Martinez has finished 16th twice in his two seasons in charge and now feels he needs to repay the faith of his chairman Dave Whelan by taking them to the next level.

The 37-year-old said: "Over the last two years the chairman has been very supportive to me and loyal and now I feel I need to be loyal and supportive back to him.

"I haven't finished my job at Wigan Athletic - there is much work still to be done."

Whelan has previously admitted that he expects Martinez to move on to a bigger club one day but is pleased to have persuaded him to stay for now.

Martinez has been given a pay rise and a new three-year contract.

Whelan said: "Villa will be disappointed but I am over the moon and I am sure every Wigan supporter will join me in saying it is fantastic and we're so pleased to have Roberto."

Villa turned their attention to Martinez after their interest in Steve McClaren and Rafael Benitez cooled. They will now have to look at other targets with bookmakers listing Bolton's Owen Coyle and former Fulham boss Mark Hughes among their favourites.

Everton's David Moyes has also been linked while Alex McLeish, boss of rivals Birmingham, would appear an unlikely contender.